WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, February 5) -- The Secret Service expressed concerns to People magazine that a cover story on Chelsea Clinton could complicate security for the president's daughter, CNN has learned.

Two sources confirmed that a Secret Service official contacted the magazine after being alerted by the first lady's office that a story was in the pipeline. The sources insisted the Secret Service acted on its own and was not pressured by the Clintons.

They declined to provide details but described the conversation as, in the words of one, "short and informal."

President Clinton and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement Wednesday they "deeply regret and are profoundly saddened" by the magazine's decision to run the story.

The magazine, which will be on the newsstands Friday, has a cover photo of Chelsea with her mother under the headline "Grace Under Fire."

The article recounts the relationship among the president, first lady and their daughter, who turns 19 this month, and is sprinkled with anecdotes from a number of family friends.

The Clinton family at Chelsea's high school

"We deeply regret and are profoundly saddened by the decision of People magazine to print a cover story featuring our daughter Chelsea," the statement from the president and first lady said. "For over six years, the media has understood and respected the unique situation facing Chelsea as she grows up in the spotlight focused on her parents."

In response to the White House statement, Carol Wallace, People magazine managing editor, said, "We are certainly sensitive to the Clinton's concerns about their daughter but there is a great deal of admiration for this mother-daughter relationship."

"Over the years, we have written about the Clinton family in good times and bad. Chelsea is nearly 19 years old and a poised young adult. We feel that because she is an eyewitness to the family drama and historical events unfolding around her she is a valid journalistic subject."

People magazine is owned by Time Warner, Inc., the parent company of CNN.

Friday, February 5, 1999

• Defense, prosecution plot best use of videotapes
• Transcript highlights from the witness depositions
• Bipartisan group moves to open Senate deliberations
• Straw poll focuses attention on potential women candidates
• Secret Service concerned over Chelsea Clinton cover story
• GOP told to develop post-impeachment message
• Starr lawyers discuss impeachment
• President to establish race relations office
• Is Chelsea Clinton a valid journalistic subject?

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